Involvement of mitochondria in apotposis is regulated by proteins of the Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphocytic-leukaemia proto-oncogene 2 or BCL2) family. These proteins act by altering the properties of mitochondrial membranes to facilitate the release of apoptogenic proteins like cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo that, once released into the cytosol, are crucial for activating the caspase cascade of cell degradation.

CL (cardiolipin), an unusual membrane lipid that is predominantly present in mitochondria, is required for the action of major pro-apoptotic proteins like Bid and Bax. Bid may be involved in the metabolic cycle of CL re-modelling.

Mitochondrial dynamics

Mitochondrial organelles constantly fuse and divide, and are actively transported to specific subcellular locations. These dynamic processes are essential for mammalian development, and defects lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

Pathology

mitochondrial lesions mitochondrial diseases

See also

mitochondrial fusion mitochondrial genesis mitochondrial death mitochondria and cellular death (mitochondria and apoptosis)